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Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 6045, Congressman Pete Visclosky’s Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008, a bill to help law enforcement officers purchase life-saving bulletproof vests, by an overwhelming vote of 404 - 2. The bill reauthorizes a Department of Justice grant program created by Visclosky in 1998 that provides law enforcement officers with assistance in purchasing protective equipment.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, so we owe it to them to help them stay safe,” said Visclosky. “I created the Bulletproof Vest Partnership to help officers acquire life-saving bulletproof vests. I am proud that it has been such a successful program, and am excited that it will be extended for another three years.”
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008 would reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership through Fiscal Year 2012, extending the life of the grant program by three years. Since 1999, the year it began operating, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership has invested over $234 million in helping over 1.5 million law enforcement officers purchase bulletproof vests. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership is authorized at $50 million per year and funds up to 50 percent of the cost of bulletproof vests purchased or replaced by law enforcement agencies. Visclosky is optimistic that the Senate will pass the bill under unanimous consent prior to its upcoming adjournment, and that President Bush will enact it into law.
Visclosky wrote the original authorizing bill for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership after he learned that gang members in Northwest Indiana wore bulletproof vests, but police officers did not have the resources to purchase the life-saving equipment. In Northwest Indiana, the Partnership has provided over $524,000 toward the purchase or replacement of over 2,800 bulletproof vests.
“People should feel safe in their homes at night, and a properly-equipped police department can make that happen,” said Visclosky. “I am committed to making sure that Northwest Indiana’s law enforcement officers have the resources they need to keep us safe, and this bill accomplishes precisely that.”
Support for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act:
- 170 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives;
- The Senate companion measure, introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), has eight cosponsors, including Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama (D-IL), Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden (D-DE), and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-PA); and
- The Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, National Association of Police Organizations, Fraternal Order of Police, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Southern States Police Benevolent Association endorsed the bill.
Law Enforcement Leaders’ Praise for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership:
Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police: “While we know that there is no way to end the deadly risks inherent in a law enforcement career, we must do everything possible to ensure that officers who put their lives on the line every day also put on a vest. Body armor is one of the most important pieces of equipment an officer can have and often means the difference between life and death.”
Rod Gonzalez, Hobart Chief of Police: “With the financial issues we face in law enforcement today, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership has been instrumental in outfitting our officers with quality vests. Not only initial issued vests, but also to replace vests that have reached their recommended limits on years of service. Congressman Visclosky’s concern for the safety of our officers continues, especially during these difficult fiscal times.”
Angelo Machuca, East Chicago Chief of Police: “Nowadays, being a police officer in any city is a very challenging occupation, especially with our troubling economy. With the assistance of Congressman Visclosky’ s bulletproof vest program, my officers, as well as others, can at least be assured that as we fight our domestic battle at home, we will be well prepared for another chance at life.”
Brian Miller, Hammond Chief of Police: “The Hammond Police Department is very grateful that Congressman Visclosky is again implementing a bullet resistant vest program. This grant ensures our police officers will have state of the art body armor while performing their duties. Congressman Visclosky obviously cares about the men and women in law enforcement.” |
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